Diseases, The Digestive System

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Herbal Remedies

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common condition where excess fat builds up in the liver, often linked to obesity, diabetes, and metabolic issues. While lifestyle changes like diet and exercise are the primary management strategies, some natural plant-based treatments have shown promise in clinical studies for reducing liver fat, inflammation, and related markers. However, these are not substitutes for medical treatment, and you should consult a healthcare professional before trying any, as they may interact with medications or have side effects. The following are among the best-supported options based on evidence from systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and clinical trials.

  1. Silymarin (from Milk Thistle, Silybum marianum)
    Silymarin is a flavonoid complex with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
    Multiple phase IV clinical trials and meta-analyses indicate it can improve liver enzymes (e.g., ALT and AST), reduce oxidative stress, and enhance liver histology in NAFLD patients. For instance, an 8-week trial with 64 patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH, an advanced form of NAFLD) showed significant reductions in hepatic enzymes, while another 2-month study with 50 patients reported ALT dropping from 103.1 to 41.4 U/L and AST from 53.7 to 29.1 IU/mL.

Mechanisms include activating pathways like SIRT1/AMPK and NRF2 to improve lipid metabolism and reduce inflammation.
Typical doses in studies: 140–420 mg daily.

  1. Berberine (from plants like Barberry, Berberis species, or Coptis chinensis)
    This alkaloid has strong evidence from phase IV trials and meta-analyses for reducing liver fat, lipids (e.g., triglycerides and cholesterol), and insulin resistance. A 16-week open-label trial with 184 NAFLD patients showed berberine (0.5 g three times daily) plus lifestyle changes led to greater reductions in body weight, hepatic fat, and enzymes like ALT/AST compared to lifestyle alone or other drugs. Another meta-analysis confirmed benefits on lipid profiles.

It works by activating AMPK, modulating gut microbiota, and inhibiting inflammation via NLRP3.
Doses in studies: 0.5–1.5 g daily, but monitor for gastrointestinal side effects.

  1. Curcumin (from Turmeric, Curcuma longa)
    Curcumin is a polyphenol with anti-inflammatory effects, supported by phase II/III trials. An 8-week RCT with 87 NAFLD patients found 1 g/day reduced liver fat accumulation, AST/ALT levels, and improved ultrasound scores (75% improvement vs. 4.7% placebo). Other trials have shown reductions in BMI, triglycerides, and fasting glucose levels.

It activates AMPK, inhibits NF-κB, and reduces oxidative stress.
Bioavailable forms (e.g., phytosomal) are often used in studies at 500–1,000 mg/day.

  1. Resveratrol (from Grapes, Berries, or Peanuts)
    This polyphenol has mixed but generally positive evidence from RCTs and meta-analyses. A 12-week trial with 50 NAFLD patients using 500 mg/day alongside lifestyle changes improved steatosis, reduced inflammation, and lowered triglycerides. However, a meta-analysis of 158 patients across four trials noted inconsistent metabolic benefits.

Mechanisms involve SIRT1/AMPK activation and gut microbiota modulation.
Doses: 500 mg/day, but results vary by population.

  1. Green Tea Catechins (from Camellia sinensis, especially EGCG)
    Green tea extracts, rich in catechins like epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), show benefits in reducing liver enzymes and fat. A double-blind RCT with 126 obese adults found low- or high-dose green tea beverages decreased AST/ALT and body weight. Reviews support its role in preventing liver injury via antioxidant effects.

It reduces ROS and lipid peroxidation. Typical intake: 2–3 cups daily or 200–500 mg extract. Other Promising Options with Emerging Evidence

  • Coffee (from Coffea plants): 2–3 cups black coffee daily may reduce liver fat and inflammation via enzyme stimulation, per observational studies and reviews.
  • Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus): Extracts reduced liver fat in a trial with NAFLD patients, especially in older adults, via antioxidant mechanisms.
  • Garlic (Allium sativum): Meta-analyses show reductions in ALT, AST, and triglycerides in NAFLD trials.
  • Ginseng (Panax ginseng): Korean red ginseng improved inflammation and fatigue in an 80-patient study; compounds like ginsenosides reduce lipid accumulation.
  • Nigella sativa (Black Seed): Reduced liver enzymes in a 3-month trial with 76 patients as part of formulas.

Overall, silymarin, berberine, and curcumin stand out due to robust clinical data, often outperforming placebos in reducing key NAFLD markers.
Traditional Chinese medicine formulas (e.g., those with Salvia miltiorrhiza or turmeric) also show additive benefits in meta-analyses.

More research is needed for long-term safety and optimal dosing.

Source: GROK X AI
Please check with your doctor before taking any natural remedies
Resources:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6977016/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1043661823002815
https://www.wjgnet.com/1007-9327/full/v31/i9/100273.htm